NSN434 Evidence-based Practice and Research Design
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | NSN434 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic knowledge of research approaches and study designs is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | NSN434 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic knowledge of research approaches and study designs is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Kathryn Kynoch | kathryn.kynoch@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit explores the relationship between research evidence and health care practice. It provides opportunities to identify and critically appraise evidence for informing best practice and clinical decision making in nursing practice. Building on foundational knowledge of research methods and processes, students will develop a research study proposal.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically discuss the purpose, methods and quality of research approaches used in contemporary health care contexts.
- Discuss the principles of research conduct that minimises risk and promotes quality outcomes.
- Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence, analysing the quality and limitations of various research design approaches.
- Justify a research study proposal using a structured framework.
Content
The content in this unit builds you foundational knowledge of research design and processes with a focus on clinical inquiry, research methodology and evidence-based practice. You will develop knowledge and skills to apply research evidence in everyday practice, supporting informed decision making and enhancing the quality of patient care.
Key areas addressed in this unit include:
Module 1: Understanding research design, process and ethical responsibility
Module 2: Appraising research evidence
Module 3: Conducting an extensive literature search
Module 4: Synthesising research findings
Module 5: Identifying and justifying a relevant gap in the evidence
Module 6: Developing a research question and plan
Learning Approaches
This unit is studied in an online or internal mode and is undertaken by students from a range of courses with the School of Nursing. This unit will employ inquiry-based learning approaches through blended learning in a variety of contexts, in either self or tutor led mode. You will continue to develop peer networks to support a collaborative approach to learning. Learning activities comprise a set of online modules supported by workshops in online mode. Modules support your career development through the understanding of core research approaches, processes and frameworks to enable you to apply concepts to develop and conduct research activities. A range of online activities that can be completed individually or with a group of peers will be undertaken. You will be expected to actively engage with and take responsibility for self directed learning. The unit coordinator, tutors, student support group and the library are available for consultation throughout the semester in on-campus and online contexts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. A structured approach to assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress and you will receive formative verbal feedback as you progress through the unit. Academic support through early formal, formative feedback is a priority and unit specific details about formative feedback will be confirmed through the unit Canvas site.
Assessment
Overview
There are two summative assessments to be completed in this unit.
This unit will use online web based text matching software that assists you to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as check citations to determine and avoid possible instances of plagiarism.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Professional Plan
Critically select a research article of your choice, discussing its relevance and applicability to your nursing practice to promote evidence-based decision-making. Justify the appropriateness of your proposed appraisal tool, to be used to conduct a structured critical appraisal in Assessment 2.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Assessment: Critique (Oral)
Individually present a critical evaluation of a research article of your choice, assess its strengths and limitations, and analyse its relevance and applicability to nursing practice to promote evidence-based decision-making.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Proposal
You will prepare a research proposal, building on your critique in assessment 2 to justify the research question, rationale, methods, practical and ethical aspects of your proposal, and outcomes relevant to the local area of practice.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no required texts for this unit.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
You are encouraged to access a current evidence-based practice textbook.
Other
You will also be guided in the selection and use of key websites on evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines and encouraged to explore the vast array of other evidence-based resources freely available on the internet.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times while on campus. More information on health and safety can be obtained from QUT's Health, safety and environment
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
NMBA Nurse Practitioner Standards for Practice (2021)
Standard 2: Plans care and engages others
Relates to: Professional Plan
Standard 4: Supports health systems
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.NS89 Master of Nursing - Entry to Practice
- Integrate and apply scientific knowledge and skills to the provision of safe, holistic, person-centred, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan.
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Communicate effectively, adapting written, oral and visual techniques independently to ensure safe, informative therapeutic and collaborative relationships with patients and multidisciplinary teams.
Relates to: Critique (Oral), Proposal - Advocate for positive health outcomes for individuals and community using influence and leadership capabilities in dynamic healthcare contexts.
Relates to: Proposal - Critique research to effectively use contemporary evidence to inform clinical nursing practice
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal
NS90 Master of Nurse Practitioner
- Integrate and apply advanced health knowledge and clinical practice skills, leveraging digital innovation to deliver culturally safe nurse practitioner services that value diversity and consumer-led health initiatives in varied populations and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Professional Plan, Proposal - Utilise independent clinical inquiry and complex, critical reasoning to conduct holistic assessment, formulate differential diagnoses and autonomously develop, implement, and evaluate patient-centred, evidence-based management plans that are effective and safe.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Apply professional communication to cultivate collaborative and inclusive partnerships with health-care consumers and professionals, leveraging digital technology while using advanced knowledge and skills to educate those receiving and delivering care.
Relates to: ULO1, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Design and generate scholarly work that applies research methods, analytical processes, and knowledge translation, fostering lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Lead and advocate for patient-centred, culturally safe, reflective and ethical nursing practice that results in optimal health systems and outcomes for all consumers and communities.
Relates to: ULO1, Professional Plan, Proposal
NS95 Master of Nursing
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills to manage and improve nursing practices across diverse and complex contexts to improve health outcomes and service provision.
Relates to: Critique (Oral) - Critically analyse evidence to inform decision-making in advanced nursing and interprofessional care contexts.
Relates to: Professional Plan - Design and develop ethically appropriate research and/or professional plans that respond to a gap in health care that informs best practice.
Relates to: Critique (Oral) - Communicate complex evidence-based findings through professional dissemination using a range of digital technologies.
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral) - Initiate, lead and reflect on collaborative practice that advocates for ethically and culturally safe care enabling sustainable health service delivery that embeds a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and diverse perspectives.
Relates to: Critique (Oral)
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | NSN434 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic knowledge of research approaches and study designs is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
This unit explores the relationship between research evidence and health care practice. It provides opportunities to identify and critically appraise evidence for informing best practice and clinical decision making in nursing practice. Building on foundational knowledge of research methods and processes, students will develop a research study proposal.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically discuss the purpose, methods and quality of research approaches used in contemporary health care contexts.
- Discuss the principles of research conduct that minimises risk and promotes quality outcomes.
- Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence, analysing the quality and limitations of various research design approaches.
- Justify a research study proposal using a structured framework.
Content
The content in this unit builds you foundational knowledge of research design and processes with a focus on clinical inquiry, research methodology and evidence-based practice. You will develop knowledge and skills to apply research evidence in everyday practice, supporting informed decision making and enhancing the quality of patient care.
Key areas addressed in this unit include:
Module 1: Understanding research design, process and ethical responsibility
Module 2: Appraising research evidence
Module 3: Conducting an extensive literature search
Module 4: Synthesising research findings
Module 5: Identifying and justifying a relevant gap in the evidence
Module 6: Developing a research question and plan
Learning Approaches
This unit is studied in an online or internal mode and is undertaken by students from a range of courses with the School of Nursing. This unit will employ inquiry-based learning approaches through blended learning in a variety of contexts, in either self or tutor led mode. You will continue to develop peer networks to support a collaborative approach to learning. Learning activities comprise a set of online modules supported by workshops in online mode. Modules support your career development through the understanding of core research approaches, processes and frameworks to enable you to apply concepts to develop and conduct research activities. A range of online activities that can be completed individually or with a group of peers will be undertaken. You will be expected to actively engage with and take responsibility for self directed learning. The unit coordinator, tutors, student support group and the library are available for consultation throughout the semester in on-campus and online contexts.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. A structured approach to assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress and you will receive formative verbal feedback as you progress through the unit. Academic support through early formal, formative feedback is a priority and unit specific details about formative feedback will be confirmed through the unit Canvas site.
Assessment
Overview
There are two summative assessments to be completed in this unit.
This unit will use online web based text matching software that assists you to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as check citations to determine and avoid possible instances of plagiarism.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Professional Plan
Critically select a research article of your choice, discussing its relevance and applicability to your nursing practice to promote evidence-based decision-making. Justify the appropriateness of your proposed appraisal tool, to be used to conduct a structured critical appraisal in Assessment 2.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Assessment: Critique (Oral)
Individually present a critical evaluation of a research article of your choice, assess its strengths and limitations, and analyse its relevance and applicability to nursing practice to promote evidence-based decision-making.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Proposal
You will prepare a research proposal, building on your critique in assessment 2 to justify the research question, rationale, methods, practical and ethical aspects of your proposal, and outcomes relevant to the local area of practice.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no required texts for this unit.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
You are encouraged to access a current evidence-based practice textbook.
Other
You will also be guided in the selection and use of key websites on evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines and encouraged to explore the vast array of other evidence-based resources freely available on the internet.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times while on campus. More information on health and safety can be obtained from QUT's Health, safety and environment
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
NMBA Nurse Practitioner Standards for Practice (2021)
Standard 2: Plans care and engages others
Relates to: Professional Plan
Standard 4: Supports health systems
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.NS89 Master of Nursing - Entry to Practice
- Integrate and apply scientific knowledge and skills to the provision of safe, holistic, person-centred, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan.
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Communicate effectively, adapting written, oral and visual techniques independently to ensure safe, informative therapeutic and collaborative relationships with patients and multidisciplinary teams.
Relates to: Critique (Oral), Proposal - Advocate for positive health outcomes for individuals and community using influence and leadership capabilities in dynamic healthcare contexts.
Relates to: Proposal - Critique research to effectively use contemporary evidence to inform clinical nursing practice
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal
NS90 Master of Nurse Practitioner
- Integrate and apply advanced health knowledge and clinical practice skills, leveraging digital innovation to deliver culturally safe nurse practitioner services that value diversity and consumer-led health initiatives in varied populations and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Professional Plan, Proposal - Utilise independent clinical inquiry and complex, critical reasoning to conduct holistic assessment, formulate differential diagnoses and autonomously develop, implement, and evaluate patient-centred, evidence-based management plans that are effective and safe.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal - Apply professional communication to cultivate collaborative and inclusive partnerships with health-care consumers and professionals, leveraging digital technology while using advanced knowledge and skills to educate those receiving and delivering care.
Relates to: ULO1, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Design and generate scholarly work that applies research methods, analytical processes, and knowledge translation, fostering lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Professional Plan, Critique (Oral), Proposal - Lead and advocate for patient-centred, culturally safe, reflective and ethical nursing practice that results in optimal health systems and outcomes for all consumers and communities.
Relates to: ULO1, Professional Plan, Proposal
NS95 Master of Nursing
- Apply advanced knowledge and skills to manage and improve nursing practices across diverse and complex contexts to improve health outcomes and service provision.
Relates to: Critique (Oral) - Critically analyse evidence to inform decision-making in advanced nursing and interprofessional care contexts.
Relates to: Professional Plan - Design and develop ethically appropriate research and/or professional plans that respond to a gap in health care that informs best practice.
Relates to: Critique (Oral) - Communicate complex evidence-based findings through professional dissemination using a range of digital technologies.
Relates to: Professional Plan, Critique (Oral) - Initiate, lead and reflect on collaborative practice that advocates for ethically and culturally safe care enabling sustainable health service delivery that embeds a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and diverse perspectives.
Relates to: Critique (Oral)